With Christmas just around the corner my thoughts turn to The Ice Harvest from 2005. When I saw this the first time I wasn’t entirely sure what to make of it? Is it a comedy? Is it film noir? I couldn’t work it out. Well, the answer to both questions is yes.
This film is a Christmas comedy noir – it’s almost created its own genre. And be prepared, this film will call you back more than once and it almost demands repeat viewings.
Deftly directed by Harold Ramis, the film has a great black as night cast – led by Cusack and Thornton, but my favourite performance by far in the piece is by the great Randy Quaid, who puts his personal madness aside to shine in a small and very good role.
Pay special attention to the writing credits – Robert Benton adapted the novel into a screenplay and there are not many better script writers in the business…
So, if you’re looking for a Christmas flick with a difference, this makes my list every December. Ho Ho Ho…
Matthew Cooper has been a script writer for hire for over 20 years. He’s written for most of the UK soaps, including writing award winning episodes of Emmerdale, EastEnders, Hollyoaks and Family Affairs and has been BAFTA shortlisted and Royal Television Society nominated as a script writer. He’s also a leading UK script consultant. You can find some of his broadcast credits on the IMDb. You can get in touch with Matthew on matcoop23@yahoo.co.uk or hire him on Peopleperhour